Patient's Rights

LifeBridge Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,
disability or sex. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them
differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

We want to encourage you, as a patient at LifeBridge Health, to speak
openly with your health care team, take part in your treatment choices, and
promote your own safety by being well informed and involved in your care.
Because we want you to think of yourself as a partner in your care, we want
you to know your rights as well as your responsibilities during your stay at
our hospital. We invite you and your family to join us as active members of
your care team.

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to receive considerate, respectful and compassionate
care in a safe setting regardless of your race, creed, color, national origin,
age, ethnicity, culture, language, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
or expression, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status or
ability to pay.

You have the right to receive care treatment and services that are
adequate, appropriate and in compliance with state, local, and federal
law and regulation.

You have a right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms
of abuse, neglect and mistreatment.

You have the right to be called by your proper name and to be in an
environment that maintains dignity and adds to a positive self-image.

You have the right to be told the names of your doctors, nurses and all
health team care members directing and/or providing your care.

You have the right to have a family member or designated representative
and your own physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.

You have the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support
during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises your or
others’ rights, safety or health. You have the right to deny visitation at any time.

You have the right to be told by your doctor about your diagnosis and
possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment, and the expected
outcome of each, including unexpected outcomes and treatment
alternatives. You have the right to give written informed consent before any
non-emergency procedure begins.

You have the right to have your pain assessed and to be involved in
decisions about treating your pain.

You have the right to be free from restraints, confinement or seclusion of
any form that is not medically necessary.

You can expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care
discussions, exams and treatments. You may ask for an escort during any
type of exam.

You have the right to access protective advocacy services in cases of
abuse or neglect. The hospital will provide a list of these resources.

You have the right to participate in decisions about your care, your
treatment and services provided, including the right to refuse treatment to
the extent permitted by law. You may include family and friends, with your
permission in these decisions. If you leave the hospital against the advice
of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for
any medical consequences that may occur.

You have the right to agree or refuse to take part in medical research
studies. You may withdraw from a study at any time without affecting
your access to care.

You have the right to make an advance directive and appoint
someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable.
If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with
information and help you complete one.

You have the right to be involved in your discharge plan. You can
expect to be told in a timely manner of your discharge, transfer
to another facility or transfer to another level of care. Before your
discharge, you can expect to receive information about follow-up
care that you may need.

You have the right to receive detailed information about your
hospital and physician charges.

You can expect that all communication and records about your care
are confidential, unless disclosure is permitted by law. You have
the right to see or get a copy of your medical records. You may
add information to your medical record by contacting the Health
Information Management Department. You have the right to request a
list of people to whom your personal health information was disclosed.

You have the right to give or refuse consent for recording,
photographs, films or other images to be produced or used for
internal or external purposes other than identification, diagnosis
or treatment. You have the right to withdraw consent up until a
reasonable time before the item is used.

If you or your family member needs to discuss an ethical issue
related to your care, a member of the Ethics Committee is available
to assist. You may request a consultation.

You have the right to spiritual services. Chaplains are available to
help you directly or to contact your own clergy.

You have the right to communication that you can understand.
Information given will be appropriate to your age, understanding
and language. The hospital will provide free aids and services to
people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us such as:
• qualified sign language interpreters
• written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible
electronic formats, other formats)

The hospital provides free language services to people whose
primary language is not English, such as:
• qualified interpreters
• information written in other languages
If you need these services, contact your nurse or care provider.

If you believe that LifeBridge Health has failed to provide these services or
discriminated in another way, you can file a grievance with the director of
Guest Relations for whom contact information is provided below.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the
Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.
gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

You have the right to voice your concerns about the care you receive. If
you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, nurse,
manager or other department manager. If you wish to talk to someone
outside the department, you may also contact the Patient Experience
Department.
Director of Guest Relations
Patient Experience Department
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
2401 West Belvedere Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215-5216
410-601-8778 (phone)
410-601-8940 (fax)PatientFamilyServices@lifebridgehealth.org

The Joint Commission
To report a patient safety concern:
1) Use the “Report a Patient Safety Event” link in the “Action Center” on the home page of the website, www.jointcommission.org
2) Send a fax to (630)-792-5636
3) Send mail to:

Reports of patient safety events to The Joint Commission must include the health care organization’s name, street address, city and state

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including
your full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, Social
Security number, insurance carrier and employer when it is required.

You should provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance
directive if you have one.

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about
your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses,
hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products and any other matters
that pertain to your health, including perceived safety risks.

You are expected to ask questions when you do not understand information
or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment
plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor. You are responsible for
outcomes if you do not follow care, treatment and service plan.

You are expected to actively participate in your pain management plan
and to keep your doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of your
treatment.

You are asked to please leave valuables at home and bring only necessary
items for your hospital stay. The hospital is not responsible for valuables or
belongings that you keep with you during your stay.

You are expected to treat all hospital staff, other patients and visitors with
courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; and
be mindful of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors.

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your
health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.

You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time and call your
health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.

Consistent with Maryland law, patients and their families and friends are
responsible for obtaining the consent of all participants before recording
or videoing a conversation of them in person or on the phone. Physicians,
nurses and all other staff are legally entitled to decline being recorded.